Blogging from a lazy geek

This post by Friedman perfectly sums up the wrong-headed argument that some people use to justify extensive government intrusion into the personal lives of U.S. citizens and the secrecy with which such programs are run. Fear should never be the arbiter of policy. Certainly fear can inform an area that needs attention, but the type of actions taken should be based on rational observation and discussion of the issue. Hiding your head in the sand and asking others to do whatever it takes is not a reasonable or rational response. This is exactly what Friedman is suggesting, because the nature of these programs is unknown to the general public, resulting in an inability to hold rational discussion.